President John Dramani Mahama has backed measures by authorities at Ghana’s airports to stop workers from soliciting or begging passengers and other visitors for tips, describing the practice as damaging to Ghana’s international image.
The President said airport workers have a responsibility to ensure that visitors receive a professional and welcoming experience from the moment they arrive in the country.
He made the remarks on Thursday, August 27, at the sod-cutting ceremony for a new Multi-Tiered, Multi-Purpose Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex at the Accra International Airport.
President Mahama said the conduct of workers at the airport can significantly influence how international visitors perceive Ghana.
He pointed to interactions with immigration officials, baggage handlers, traffic management personnel and other service providers as important parts of a visitor’s overall experience.
“I’m happy that the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Civil Aviation Authority and other institutions working at the airport are taking a tough stance against soliciting and begging visitors for tips. It reflects very badly on our country,” he said.
According to the President, the aviation sector must strengthen professionalism, discipline and courtesy if Ghana is to improve the quality of service offered to visitors.
He stressed that the airport serves as an important entry and exit point for the country, making the conduct of employees particularly significant.
“Every institution and every worker at this airport contributes to Ghana’s image,” President Mahama said.
He added that factors such as the welcome visitors receive at immigration, the efficiency of baggage handling, cleanliness and the courtesy of service providers can shape both their first and final impressions of Ghana.
Two airport workers dismissed
The warning comes amid a crackdown by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and other airport agencies on the practice.
GACL has already dismissed two car park workers over allegations that they solicited tips from passengers.
The action forms part of efforts to discourage conduct that airport authorities believe undermines professionalism and could negatively affect the experience of travellers.
New airport complex to expand facilities
President Mahama’s comments came as work on a major airport development project formally commenced.
The proposed complex will include two hotels and more than 2,000 parking spaces, alongside a pedestrian connector linking the development to the airport terminal.
The project will also feature a shopping mall with a food court, retail and office spaces.
Additional facilities will include a sky lounge and sky observatory, providing visitors with designated spaces to view aircraft and experience the airport environment.
The development is expected to expand facilities around the Accra International Airport while improving convenience for travellers and other airport users.
The President’s call for greater professionalism therefore comes alongside efforts to upgrade the airport’s physical infrastructure, with authorities expected to improve both the facilities available to visitors and the quality of service they receive.
